Family of missing Marokopa children raising money for reward

Wednesday, 12 October 2022

Thomas Phillips is on the run with his children Jayda, Maverick, and Ember.

The family of three children missing with on-the-run Marokopa father Thomas Phillips are raising money to offer as a reward for information.

A warrant was issued for Phillip’s arrest after he failed to appear in Te Kūiti District Court in January on a charge of wasting police time and resources in relation to the family’s first disappearance.

A search for Phillips and his children – Jayda Jin, Maverick and Ember – had been going on ever since, captivating the nation and frustrating police and searchers.

Storm Dawson, the eldest sister of the three children, who were now aged 9, 7, and 6, said – on the fundraising page – that a reward was the most effective way to find the children.

* Wanted Marokopa dad still on the run two weeks after court no-show

Waikato west area commander Will Loughrin talks about the police effort to find missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips and his 3 children. (Video first published 9 September 2022.)

* Wanted Marokopa dad still on the run more than one week after court no-show

“We have worked closely alongside the police throughout this investigation, and completely understand the complications it would create if they were to fund a reward, which is why we need to source it ourselves.”

More than $1000 had been raised of the $10,000 goal on Wednesday afternoon.

Dawson said the money would go towards a reward for information that led to the safe return of the children.

“Any amount you are willing to donate is extremely appreciated (and unexpected). We just want our babies home.”

Any remaining funds would be donated to the parties that helped in the first missing persons search last September.

This would include Waikato police, Search and Rescue staff, Waitomo and Hamilton Land Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, ISO Limited, and the local Kiritihiri iwi and community.

Red flags were first raised on September 11 last year when Phillips’ ute was found abandoned at Kiritehere Beach, facing the waves and with the keys under the driver’s seat mat.

The family had spent 17 days in Marokopa’s dense bush, but weren’t found despite an intensive police-led land, sea and air search.

Phillips disappeared again in December and did not reappear for Christmas or his court appearance.

Police put out a statement in August saying the missing family could be anywhere in the country, and might be using fake names.

They would not give Stuff an update on the case when asked on Wednesday.